Former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime silenced his former team with a career-best performance, leading the New Orleans Saints to a 23-22 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Just 20 days after Cleveland released him on November 2, Estime made the decision to cut ties painfully clear for the Browns. His explosive effort proved that New Orleans’ decision to claim him off waivers on November 3 was a strategic masterstroke, as he delivered the decisive momentum shift in a tightly contested matchup.
The ex-Irish RB turned a 20-day Browns stint into a 23-22 overtime statement.
Estime dominated the backfield with 15 carries, racking up 72 rushing yards and a crucial touchdown. His 4.8 yards-per-carry average showcased elite speed and vision, while his fourth-quarter two-yard dash into the end zone gave the Saints a 16-13 lead that they ultimately protected. Beyond his rushing prowess, the former Fighting Irish star added a five-yard reception, demonstrating his versatility as a dynamic offensive weapon who can exploit defensive gaps in multiple ways.
This breakout performance caps a journeyman path for Estime, who was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft before bouncing between practice squads. His collegiate pedigree at Notre Dame, where he amassed 2,321 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns between 2021 and 2023, finally found its NFL expression in New Orleans. With a single-season rushing touchdown record from his 2023 campaign now translating to the pros, Estime has established himself as a high-impact contributor for the Saints’ offense.
Source: Yahoo Sports
